If you're in the market for a reliable, sharp, and stylish knife set, the Chicago Cutlery Insignia Stainless Steel Set is definitely on your radar. But is it truly the best choice for your kitchen? We’ve put it to the test—comparing balance, durability, edge retention, and value—so you don’t have to guess. Whether you're a home cook or a weekend warrior in the kitchen, finding the right cutlery matters.
Editor's Choice
Chicago Cutlery Insignia Steel (18-PC) Kitchen Knife Block Set & Built-In Sharpener
All-in-One Sharpener
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for all-in-one sharpener: Chicago Cutlery Insignia Steel (18-PC) Kitchen Knife Block Set & Built-In Sharpener
- Best for triple rivet durability: Chicago Cutlery Insignia Triple Rivet Poly (18-PC) Kitchen Knife Block Set With Wooden Block & Built-In Sharpener
- Best for elegant rubberwood block: Chicago Cutlery Insignia (13-PC) Kitchen Knife Block Set With Wooden Block
- Best for compact steak knives: Chicago Cutlery Insignia Steel 4-Piece Steak Knives
- Best for guided grip trio: Chicago Cutlery Insignia Steel 3-Piece Knife Set With Guided Grip
- Best for essential dual set: Chicago Cutlery Insignia Steel 2-Piece Knife Set With Guided Grip
- Best for premium block set: Chicago Cutlery Malden (16-PC) Kitchen Knife Block Set With Wooden Block & Built-In Sharpener
- Best for fusion versatile set: Chicago Cutlery Fusion 17 Piece Kitchen Knife Set with Wooden Storage Block
- Best for heavy-duty full-tang: Chicago Cutlery Insignia2 18-Piece Knife Block Set w/ Knife Sharpener 1117756
- Best for sharpener block set: Chicago Cutlery Avondale (12-PC) Built-In Sharpener Kitchen Knife Block Set with Steak Knives
Product Comparison: Best Chicago Cutlery Insignia Stainless Steel Set
All-in-One Sharpener
Chicago Cutlery Insignia Steel (18-PC) Kitchen Knife Block Set & Built-In Sharpener, Contoured Ergonomic Handles and Sharp Stainless Steel Professional Chef Knife Set & Scissors With Bottle Opener
Chicago Cutlery
- 18 PIECES: This Chicago Cutlery set is made with durable, high quality stainless steel blades that resist stains and corrosion, ensuring they remain sharp and ready to use for years to come. Set includes: (1) 8" Chef Knife, (1) 8" Slicing Knife, (1) 8" Serrated Bread Knife, (1) 7" Santoku Knife, (1) 5" Santoku Knife, (1) 5.5" Utility Knife, (1) 3.5" Paring Knife, (1) 3.25" Paring Knife, (8) 4.5" Steak Knives, (1) Shears / Scissor with Opener, (1) Natural Rubberwood Block with built-in Sharpener.
- BUILT IN SHARPENER: With a unique built-in sharpener in the acacia wood block, the Insignia knife set makes it easy to keep your knives sharp and ready for any cutting task.
- 26 DEGREE TAPER: The signature blades on all the knives are made with a 26 degree taper grind edge, providing optimal sharpness and precision for effortless cutting through meats, vegetables, fruits and more.
- CONTOURED HANDLES: Each handle comes with a well-balanced contoured handle that is designed to sit comfortably in the hand. The stainless steel handles perfectly match the stainless steel blades and allow for effortless cleaning, making it a must-have addition to your kitchen arsenal.
- STRONG & STURDY: Excellent craftsmanship in each knife, which provides added strength and durability to the knife's construction, ensuring it can handle even the toughest cutting tasks with ease.
Triple Rivet Durability
Chicago Cutlery Insignia Triple Rivet Poly (18-PC) Kitchen Knife Block Set With Wooden Block & Built-In Sharpener, Black Ergonomic Handles and Sharp Stainless Steel Professional Chef Knife Set
Chicago Cutlery
- 18 PIECES: The Chicago Cutlery Insignia set features 17 specialty knives and 1 pair of scissor - made with durable, high-quality stainless steel blades that resist stains and corrosion, ensuring they remain sharp and ready to use for years to come. Set includes: (1) 8" Chef Knife, (1) 8" Slicing Knife, (1) 7" Serrated Bread Knife, (1) 7" Santoku Knife, (1) 5" Boning Knife, (1) 5.5" Utility Knife, (1) 3.5" Paring Knife, (1) 3" Peeler Knife, (8) 4.5" Steak Knives, (1) Shears / Scissor with Opener.
- BUILT IN SHARPNER: With a unique built-in sharpener in the acacia wood block, the Insignia knife set makes it easy to keep your knives sharp and ready for any cutting task.
- 26 DEGREE TAPER: The blades on all the knives are made with a 26 degree taper grind edge, providing optimal sharpness and precision for effortless cutting through meats, vegetables, fruits and more.
- STRONG & STURDY: Excellent craftsmanship in each knife, which provides added strength and durability to the knife's construction, ensuring it can handle even the toughest cutting tasks with ease.
- ERGONOMIC HANDLES: Each handle comes with a curve-optimized handle that is ergonomically designed for easy and comfortable gripping, even during extended use. The handles provide a secure, slip-resistant grip, making the knives safe and easy to use.
Elegant Rubberwood Block
Chicago Cutlery Insignia (13-PC) Kitchen Knife Block Set With Wooden Block, Contoured Handles and Sharp Stainless Steel Professional Chef Knife Set & Scissors
Chicago Cutlery
- 13 PIECES: Set includes: (1) 8" Chef Knife, (1) 8" Serrated Bread Knife, (1) 7" Santoku Knife, (1) 5" Utility Knife, (1) 3.25" Paring Knife, (8) 4.5" Steak Knives, (1) Shears / Scissors, (1) Oxford-Brown Stained Rubberwood Block.
- OXFORD-BROWN RUBBERWOOD: The beautifully stained brown-colored natural rubberwood block adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen and offers a durable and eco-friendly storage solution for your knives.
- 26 DEGREE TAPER: The signature blades on all the knives are made with a 26 degree taper grind edge, providing optimal sharpness and precision for effortless cutting through meats, vegetables, fruits and more.
- CONTOURED HANDLES: Each handle comes with a well-balanced contoured handle that is designed to sit comfortably in the hand. The stainless steel handles perfectly match the stainless steel blades and allow for effortless cleaning.
- STRONG & STURDY: Excellent craftsmanship in each knife, which provides added strength and durability to the knife's construction, ensuring it can handle even the toughest cutting tasks with ease.
Compact Steak Knives
Chicago Cutlery Insignia Steel 4-Piece Steak Knives, 4.5" Stainless Steel Blades for Effortless Cutting, For Home Kitchen and Professional Use
Chicago Cutlery
- SET OF 4: Our pack of 4 steak knives is ideal for families and small gatherings, ensuring that everyone at the table has their own high-quality knife for a seamless and enjoyable dining experience.
- 4.5" BLADES: Our 4.5 inch blade is crafted from high quality stainless steel, providing a sharp and durable edge that easily slices through steak and other types of meat.
- 26 DEGREE TAPER: The signature blades on all the knives are made with a 26 degree taper grind edge, providing optimal sharpness and precision for effortless cutting through meats, vegetables, fruits and more.
- CONTOURED HANDLES: Each handle comes with a well-balanced contoured handle that is designed to sit comfortably in the hand. The stainless steel handles perfectly match the stainless steel blades and allow for effortless cleaning, making it a must-have addition to your kitchen arsenal.
- STRONG & STURDY: Excellent craftsmanship in each knife, which provides added strength and durability to the knife's construction, ensuring it can handle even the toughest cutting tasks with ease.
Guided Grip Trio
Chicago Cutlery Insignia Steel 3-Piece Knife Set With Guided Grip, Stainless Steel Blades and Handles For Home Kitchen and Professional Use
Chicago Cutlery
- 3 PIECES: Set includes: (1) 8" Chef Knife, (1) 5" Utility Knife, (1) 3.25" Parer Knife.
- STAINLESS STEEL: Made with durable, high quality stainless steel blades that resist stains and corrosion, ensuring they remain sharp and ready to use for years to come.
- 26 DEGREE TAPER: The signature blades on all the knives are made with a 26 degree taper grind edge, providing optimal sharpness and precision for effortless cutting through meats, vegetables, fruits and more.
- CONTOURED HANDLES: Each handle comes with a well-balanced contoured handle that is designed to sit comfortably in the hand. The stainless steel handles perfectly match the stainless steel blades and allow for effortless cleaning, making it a must-have addition to your kitchen arsenal.
- STRONG & STURDY: Excellent craftsmanship in each knife, which provides added strength and durability to the knife's construction, ensuring it can handle even the toughest cutting tasks with ease.
Essential Dual Set
Chicago Cutlery Insignia Steel 2-Piece Knife Set With Guided Grip, Stainless Steel Blades and Handles For Home Kitchen and Professional Use
Chicago Cutlery
- 2 PIECES: Set includes: (1) 5" Partoku Knife, (1) 3.25" Parer Knife
- STAINLESS STEEL: Made with durable, high quality stainless steel blades that resist stains and corrosion, ensuring they remain sharp and ready to use for years to come.
- 26 DEGREE TAPER: The signature blades on all the knives are made with a 26 degree taper grind edge, providing optimal sharpness and precision for effortless cutting through meats, vegetables, fruits and more.
- CONTOURED HANDLES: Each handle comes with a well-balanced contoured handle that is designed to sit comfortably in the hand. The stainless steel handles perfectly match the stainless steel blades and allow for effortless cleaning, making it a must-have addition to your kitchen arsenal.
- STRONG & STURDY: Excellent craftsmanship in each knife, which provides added strength and durability to the knife's construction, ensuring it can handle even the toughest cutting tasks with ease.
Premium Block Set
Chicago Cutlery Malden (16-PC) Kitchen Knife Block Set With Wooden Block & Built-In Sharpener, Contoured Handles and Sharp Stainless Steel Professional Chef Knife Set & Scissors
Chicago Cutlery
- 16 PIECES: Set includes: (1) 8" Chef Knife, (1) 6.75" Serrated Bread Knife, (1) 6" Santoku Knife, (1) 4.75" Utility Knife, (8) 4.5" Steak Knives, (1) 3.25" Paring Knife, (1) Shears / Scissors With Opener, (1) Block.
- BUILT IN SHARPENER: With a unique built-in sharpener in the acacia wood block, the Insignia knife set makes it easy to keep your knives sharp and ready for any cutting task.
- 27 DEGREE TAPER: The signature blades on all the knives are made with a 26 degree taper grind edge, providing optimal sharpness and precision for effortless cutting through meats, vegetables, fruits and more.
- CONTOURED HANDLES: Each handle comes with a well-balanced contoured handle that is designed to sit comfortably in the hand. The stainless steel handles perfectly match the stainless steel blades and allow for effortless cleaning.
- STRONG & STURDY: Excellent craftsmanship in each knife, which provides added strength and durability to the knife's construction, ensuring it can handle even the toughest cutting tasks with ease.
Fusion Versatile Set
Chicago Cutlery Fusion 17 Piece Kitchen Knife Set with Wooden Storage Block, Cushion-Grip Handles with Stainless Steel Blades that Resists Stains, Rust, and Pitting
Chicago Cutlery
- ALL IN ONE: The 17 Piece set includes a 7-3/4" Chef knife, 7-3/4" Serrated bread knife, 7" Santoku knife, 5" Santoku knife, 5" Utility knife, 3-1/4" Paring knife, 4. 5" Steak knives (8) , sharpening steel, chop assist and a honey maple-stain wood block.
- MADE TO LAST: Long-lasting sharpness perfect for frequent cooking and peace of mind.
- SAFE HANDLING: Asian-influenced, cushion-grip handles provide a sturdy, non-slip grip.
- STAINLESS STEEL: High-quality stainless steel creates stronger, harder blades to resist stains, rust and pitting.
- LONG-LASTING SHARPNESS: Signature 26-Degree taper grind edge for optimum sharpness, precise cutting and easy sharpening.
Heavy-Duty Full-Tang
Chicago Cutlery Insignia2 18-Piece Knife Block Set w/ Knife Sharpener 1117756
Chicago Cutlery
- High-carbon stainless-steel full-tang blades
- Heavy-duty forged bolsters
- Triple stainless steel rivets secure ergonomic polymer handles to the blades
- Dimensions: Measures 14 in. x 12.7 in. x 7.5 in.
- 2 parers, 3 & 3-1/2-inch, a 5-1/2-inch utility knife, an 8-inch chef's knife, a 7-inch Santoku, a 7-inch serrated bread knife, 5-inch boning knife, an 8-inch slicer, shears and a set of eight 4-1/2-inch forged steak knives
Sharpener Block Set
Chicago Cutlery Avondale (12-PC) Built-In Sharpener Kitchen Knife Block Set with Steak Knives, Ergonomic Handles and Sharp Stainless Steel Professional Chef Knife Set
Chicago Cutlery
- 12 PIECES: The Chicago Cutlery Avondale set features (1) 8-inch chef knife, (1) 8-inch bread knife, (1) 5.5-inch utility knife, (1) 3.5-inch pairing knife, (6) 4.5-inch steak knives, (1) pair of scissors/shears, (1) Built-in sharpener
- BUILT-IN SHARPENER: Featuring a beautiful stained wooden block with a built-in sharpener to conveniently keep your knife collections sharp, neat, and clean
- 26 DEGREE TAPER: The blades on all the knives are made with a 26 degree taper grind edge, providing optimal sharpness and precision for effortless cutting through meats, vegetables, fruits and more.
- STRONG & STURDY: Excellent craftsmanship in each knife, which provides added strength and durability to the knife's construction, ensuring it can handle even the toughest cutting tasks with ease.
- POLYMER HANDLES: Each handle comes with a curve-optimized handle that is ergonomically designed for easy and comfortable gripping, even during extended use. The handles provide a secure, slip-resistant grip, making the knives safe and easy to use.
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Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I consider when choosing a Chicago Cutlery Insignia set?
Look at the number of pieces, the types of knives included, and whether the block has a built‑in sharpener. Also compare handle materials—polymer versus wood—and any extra accessories like shears or a boning knife. Finally, think about your kitchen space and storage preferences to pick the right block size.
How does the 18‑piece Steel set (B0B9CJ4G6D) differ from the Triple Rivet Poly 18‑piece set (B08YMKNDNY)?
Both have 18 pieces and a built‑in sharpener, but the Steel set features stainless steel handles that match the blades, while the Triple Rivet set uses ergonomic polymer handles with triple rivets for added durability. The Steel set includes two 8" chef knives and a 5" Santoku, whereas the Poly version swaps a 5" boning knife for a 7" serrated bread knife and adds a 3" peeler.
Is the built‑in sharpener reliable across all Insignia blocks?
Yes, every Insignia block listed—whether wood or polymer—includes a built‑in sharpening slot designed for quick touch‑ups. The sharpener works best with the 26‑degree taper blades that the brand uses, keeping edges consistent without needing a separate stone. Regular use will maintain performance, but occasional professional sharpening may still be beneficial for heavy use.
Which set offers the best value for a small kitchen?
The 13‑piece set (B07RVNPYNY) provides a solid core of essential knives and a stylish rubberwood block at a lower piece count, saving countertop space. It still includes the 8" chef, a bread knife, a santoku, a utility, a paring, and eight steak knives, covering most cooking tasks. If you need fewer knives, the 3‑piece (B09YMZ5J8H) or 2‑piece (B09542DD8D) sets are even more compact but lack the full range.
Do the polymer‑handled knives feel different from the stainless‑steel handles?
Polymer handles are lighter and often feature a slip‑resistant grip, which can be more comfortable during long prep sessions. Stainless‑steel handles add weight and a premium look, matching the blade material for a cohesive aesthetic. Personal preference for feel and cleaning ease will guide the best choice.
Are the steak knives in each set comparable in quality?
All Insignia steak knives share the same 26‑degree taper edge and contoured handles, delivering consistent sharpness and durability. Whether you buy the 4‑piece steak‑only set (B004TFDR2U) or the larger block sets, the blade material and construction remain identical, so quality does not vary across sets.
What extra tools are included in the higher‑end Insignia sets?
The 18‑piece sets include kitchen shears with an integrated bottle opener, while the 13‑piece set adds a decorative rubberwood block. The Fusion 17‑piece set (B07HSG4CWP) goes further with a sharpening steel, chop‑assist, and a honey‑maple block. These accessories can add convenience and value if you frequently use them.
How does the 12‑piece Avondale set (B0CTHZG3H8) compare to the 16‑piece Malden set (B07HSKX718)?
Both feature built‑in sharpeners and the same 26‑degree taper blades, but the Avondale offers fewer knives—omitting a dedicated boning knife and extra utility sizes—making it more budget‑friendly. The Malden includes a larger variety of blade lengths and a separate sharpening steel, catering to cooks who want a broader toolset. Choose Avondale for essentials, Malden for a more comprehensive collection.